5 Reasons Presidential Candidates Should Spend Time Outside

It is only of matter of time before a similar scene will play out on televisions across the country. Dallas News photo 

We still have over a year to go before the presidential election of 2016 but, unfortunately the race is well underway and dominating headlines. TGR has yet to give their official presidential endorsement, and are hesitant to declare such an influential recommendation so early in the race. We do, however, have some simple advice to all would be presidents–spend time outdoors. The five-point list below outlines benefits like stress relief, fitness, and understanding the importance of public lands that any presidential candidate could benefit from by being outside more.

#1: Helps Build A Strong Connection with Nature

VP Joe Biden is "super gripped" as he rafts down the Snake River. He was disappointed when he found out Lunch Counter did not serve snacks. JH News & Guide photo

It is a tough life being a politician. Most candidates quickly lose touch with their constituents, home state, family, the issues, and most importantly, nature. Locked in the constant shuffle of campaign staffer shenanigans, photo ops with young children, and teamster meetings in Iowa, a walk in the woods is a tough commodity to come by. A candidate that has a well-grounded connection to natural places is important. With looming decisions regarding fracking, hydro-dam use, and the Keystone pipeline, understanding the implications of these decisions is paramount.  

#2: Stay Fit for the Campaign Trail

In an attempt to play the part of the common man and/or woman, presidential hopefuls often stop at local fast-food establishments to appear approachable. Hillary Clinton made news for stopping at a Chipotle on her drive through Ohio and ordering a chicken burrito bowl, and during their failed 2012 bid, McCain and Paul Ryan stopped at a Wendy’s. 

With stomachs bursting with Big Macs and Frosty’s, the waistline of an average presidential candidate could potentially grow to an unelectable size (we are looking at you, Chris Christie). The great thing about nature is it is the earth’s best gym. Going for a hike, bike, or walkabout in nature can keep you slim all the way through November 2016 despite however many pancake breakfasts, steak fries, or salad-less barbeques you have to endure.

#3: Outlet For Stress Relief

Political attack ads are like a Michael Bay movie–the effects are weak, they employ predictable plot twists, and once you have seen one, it's enough. As the calendar heads towards Election Day, you can bet that candidate's stress levels will be at an all-time high. What better way to center your qi than to take a walk next to a meandering stream or scale a majestic mountain. Just don’t be like the U.S. Representative from South Carolina’s 1st Congressional District, Mark Sanford. In June of 2009 Sanford disappeared for six days after telling staffers he was “going to hike the Appalachian Trail,” when in reality he was visiting his mistress. This is not the type of stress relief we actively advocate for.

#4: Realize the Importance of Public Lands

Bernie Sanders is no stranger to spending time outdoors in his home state of Vermont. USA Today photo.

SA 838 is a budgetary amendment that backs support for and funding of state efforts to manage federal land. The potential problem with this amendment was outlined in an op-ed from TGR contributor Sam Morse. If a presidential candidate spent time hunting (except Dick Cheney), camping, and exploring National Forest lands, they would realize what an important resource these places are. If hunters and fisherman can agree with backcountry skiers and snowboarder on an issue, it might be high time to pay attention. 

#5: Proximity to Green Space Promotes Mental Health

With so many potential GOP candidates, a group outing to play touch football in a local park could sharpen minds for the campaign trail. Fox News photo.

In a study published in the Journal for Environmental Science and Technology, Mathew White, from the European Centre for Environment and Human Health at the University of Exeter, concluded that people who live in green urban areas display fewer signs of depression and anxiety, among other health benefits. I may just have a degree from a public university, but it seems that a relaxed candidate would be beneficial. Maybe if Mike Huckabee took a nature walk, his improved mental health might have kept him from blurting that he wished he could have identified as a female in high school gym class so she could shower with the girls. True story.

About The Author

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stash member Jonathan Desabris

Digital Content Producer at TGR. Jackson Hole transplant from the Green Mountain State. Contrary to popular belief I have never lived in New Jersey.